Rosaceae Family Research Articles

Clinical and sensitization profile in peach allergy due to LTP sensitization.

Lipid transfer proteins (LTP) are associated with a wide range of severity of allergic reactions. However, the risk factors associated with this severity are not fully understood. To describe the clinical characteristics of peach-allergic patients due to LTP sensitization and analyze the relationship between the severity of the reactions and patients' sensitization profiles. A retrospective study of peach-allergic patients was performed. Patients were classified into LTP-monoallergic (only peach allergy) or LTP-Syndrome (peach allergy and allergy to other plants-foods related with LTP). Symptoms with Rosaceae family and other related plant foods, skin prick tests (SPTs), and IgE values were recorded. Seventy-one patients were included, 46.5% suffering from anaphylaxis, 32.3% from urticaria angioedema, and 21.2% from oral allergy syndrome. Six had monoallergy to LTP and 65 LTP syndrome. Clinical severity showed no differences according to peach SPT wheal size or Pru p 3 IgE levels. We also found no differences between the components of LTP-containing foods analyzed, the number of LTPs recognized, and the severity of symptoms. However, anaphylaxis was more frequent in patients with concomitant allergies to ≥3 groups of plant foods. LTP syndrome was the most common presentation in patients with Rosaceae food allergy. The severity of the reactions was not related to peach SPT wheal size or sIgE levels to Pru p 3, but concomitant allergies to ≥3 plant food groups could be a good marker of severity.

Adatok idegenhonos növényfajok ismeretéhez Magyarországon I. (1–6)

This is the first in a series of papers by various authors presenting previously unpublished data relevant to the knowledge of alien vascular plants in Hungary. This paper deals with the families Pteridaceae, Brassicaceae, Plantaginaceae, Rosaceae, Ranunculaceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae. It includes new area records and distributional considerations for Cochlearia danica and Plantago coronopus spreading along Hungarian road-network as well as records of Panicum riparium from the Northern Hungarian Mountain range based on field work and herbarium revision. We note the importance of checking the data previously collected as P. capillare. Floristic data of two species not previously recorded in Hungary (Cardamine corymbosa, Ranunculus marginatus) and 3 sporadically occurring alien species (Aphanes australis, Lepidium didymum, Medicago arabica), from garden centres in the Debrecen area were published. A 7-year long survival of a population of Adiantum capillus-veneris in a traditional, abandoned well is also documented between 2017 and 2024. The paper reports that traffic infrastructure can facilitate the spread of Elymus elongatus along roads.

Genome-wide survey of chlorophyllase (CLH) gene family in seven Rosaceae and functional characterization of MdCLH1 in apple (Malus domestica) leaf photosynthesis

Chlorophyll, a crucial pigment in plant photosynthesis, undergoes dynamic synthesis and degradation processes throughout the growth cycle of plants. Chlorophyllase (CLH) plays a crucial role in the degradation of chlorophyll by removing the phytol group from chlorophyll A to produce chlorophyllide A. However, Rosaceae species remain underexplored in terms of understanding the functional divergences among CLH gene family members (CLHs) involved in chlorophyll catabolism and photosynthesis. The apple (Malus domestica) CLHs also requires further systematic characterization and identification. In this study, 20 CLHs (MdCLH1-4, FvCLH1-2, PpCLH1-2, PcCLH1-3, PaCLH1-2, RrCLH1-4, RcCLH1-3) were identified from seven species belonging to the Rosaceae family. The chromosomal distribution of these gene family members is mostly separate across all species, except in Rosa rugosa. The number of amino acids encoded by these genes ranges from 171 aa to 391 aa, possessing a theoretical isoelectric point (PI) of 5.46-9.59, and a relative molecular weight of 18313.07D to 42413.21D. Secondary structure predictions highlight α-helix and random coil conformations as the dominant structural elements of CLH proteins present in Rosaceae species. Subcellular localization predictions indicate that all CLH proteins are expressed in chloroplasts, while MdCLH4 is uniquely localized to the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis reveals high homology and close evolutionary relationships among the genes in three subfamilies. All these 20 CLHs contain elements responsive to phytohormones, environmental stress, and light. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling using geneChip expression array coupled with qRT-PCR analyses revealed a heightened transcriptional activity of MdCLHs in leaf tissues and protective tissue of annual shoots as compared to other plant components. Additional experimental evidence specifically indicates MdCLH1 is located in the chloroplasts of tobacco leaves. Notably, MdCLH1 transient expression in apple leaves decreased chlorophyll a, carotenoids, total chlorophyll content, non - photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ), and intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci), while increasing chlorophyll b content, effective PSII quantum yield [Y(II)], net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and electron transport rate (ETR). These suggest MdCLH1 enhances light energy conversion in PSII by modulating chlorophyll degradation, potentially improving photosynthetic efficiency and reducing the potential for photoinhibition. This study lays a solid foundation for further exploration into the functional roles of CLHs in the Rosaceae family.

Identification of a reduced rate combination of a plant growth inhibitor with a plant defense inducer for the management of the shoot blight phase of fire blight.

The secondary shoot blight phase of fire blight is a critical component of disease epidemics in apples, pears, and other Rosaceae family plants with infection occurring at the tips of vigorously growing branches. Shoot blight infections are exacerbated in modern high-density apple plantings, where growers emphasize maximizing tree growth to recapture planting costs and increase yields of high-quality fruit. The overarching goal of this study was to develop new strategies for shoot blight management that do not impact the growth and yield of young apple trees. 'Gala' apple trees of various ages were inoculated with the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora. Being treated with a combination of reduced rate mixtures of prohexadione calcium (ProCa; 6-12× rate reduction) with acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM; 2× reduction) resulted in a significant decrease in shoot blight incidence and severity without significant impacts on branch growth. The systemic spread of E. amylovora was significantly reduced in trees sprayed with these lower-rate mixtures. Comparable rates of either treatment alone were not as effective in reducing lesion length. A transcriptomic analysis revealed a synergistic effect in which the expression of marker genes associated with systemic acquired resistance was higher in apple trees sprayed with the low-rate mixture of ProCa + ASM than with either compound alone. We conclude that the combination of ProCa + ASM at reduced rates is an effective treatment for the shoot blight phase of fire blight without impacting horticultural practices associated with high-density apple production.

Intergeneric Transfer of Simple Sequence Repeat Molecular Markers for the Study of Chaenomeles as Fruit Crop Breeding Material

The genus Chaenomeles, part of the subfamily Maloideae within the Rosaceae family, comprises five recognized species and has long been valued for its ornamental qualities. However, the use of Chaenomeles japonica as a fruit crop is relatively recent, with its introduction into targeted breeding activities only occurring in the 1950s. Due to this, genetic information on the genus remains limited, and the application of molecular markers in crop breeding and further development have been narrow, relying primarily on non-specific marker applications in germplasm analysis. One potential solution is the transfer of molecular markers between genera, specifically from the related Maloideae genera. This study aimed to test the transferability of SSR markers developed for Malus to Chaenomeles, and to analyze the structure of available Chaenomeles germplasm. By including 74 Chaenomeles genotypes, 95 SSR markers originally developed for Malus were tested, with 25 proving effective for characterizing Chaenomeles germplasm. These adapted SSR markers successfully differentiated among Chaenomeles species, including Chaenomeles japonica, Chaenomeles speciosa, Chaenomeles cathayensis, and hybrids like Chaenomeles × superba and Chaenomeles × californica. The markers demonstrated high stability and repeatability, indicating their suitability for large-scale genetic research, species composition assessment, and breeding material evaluation. Given the limited studies on SSR markers in Chaenomeles, this research lays the foundation for further exploration, potentially expanding into the genetic diversity assessment and trait screening for breeding. As genetic research on Chaenomeles is still in its early stages, the development of additional markers will be crucial for advancing this crop.

Estimation of genetic polymorphism in quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) genotypes using morphological traits and molecular (DNA barcoding) characterizations.

Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a medicinal plant and a member of family Rosaceae. It is native plant of Asia Minor and Europe. It is used in production of jam and jellies and also as a remedy of several ailments. The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic polymorphism based on morphological and molecular traits. Different varieties of Quince were collected from different ecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan and a total of 26 different morphological traits were recorded among studied genotypes. Based on qualitative morphological trait study, the variety collected from Tindodag was unique one with highest fruit weight (328.82 g). The lowest fruit weight (68.38 g) was recorded for Talash genotype. The Charbagh and Tindodag genotypes showed highest seed length (10.6 mm) while genotypes of Chitral was recorded as lowest (8.4 mm). Statistically, significant level of variation was noted with coefficient of variance ranged from 2.23% to 30.38%. Based on correlation analysis, fruit length had strongly correlation with fruit weight (r = 0.89**), Average Fruit width was found significant with fruit weight (r = 0.90**). Similarly, the Core Width was found strongly significant with Core Length (r = 0.95**). ANOVA analysis indicated 10 quantitative characters to be highly significant, 2 significant and 1 insignificant. Principal component analysis was also computed for the 13 quantitative traits with Eigen value of 0.48 and a total variance of 97.78%. The first principal component shows total variation of 52.52%. In PC2 the total variation was 80.15%, PC3 94.06% while in PC4 it was 97.78%. The NCBI BLAST results shows that all the genotypes have similar origin except Tindodag genotype, which shows differences in its origin. Accession number for all other genotypes is MN216014.1, while accession number of Tindodag genotype is KF861967.1. Based on this study, it can be concluded that Tindodag genotype is unique out of the studied localities. NCBI BLAST have provided further support for the drawn conclusion.

Rosaceae in the Mountain-Xerophyte and Steppe Vegetation of Shahbuz District, Current Status of the Woody Species

Rosaceae spreading in mountain-xerophytic and steppe vegetation of Shahbuz district flora, is presented in the article. Information is given on the taxonomic composition, life forms, ecological groups, geographical area types and classes of woody species of the family. According to the researches conducted by us, when we characterized the woody species of the mountain-xerophyte and steppe zone of the Shahbuz district flora belonging to the Rosaceae family by genera, it was found that Rosa — 21 (37.5%), Crataegus — 7 (12.5%), Pyrus — 7 (12.5%), Prunus — 6 (10.71%), Sorbus — 5 (8.92%), Cotoneaster — 4 (7.14%), Rubus and Spiraea — 2 (3.57%), Malus and there is — 1 (1.78%) species of the Pyracantha genus. Shrub plants, especially woody species of the Rosaceae family, occupy an important place in the structure of Shahbuz district flora. They are part of the bush steppes, form independent groups and form unique formations.

Evolutionary dynamics and functional characterization of proximal duplicated sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase genes in Rosaceae.

Sorbitol is a critical photosynthate and storage substance in the Rosaceae family. Sorbitol 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (S6PDH) functions as the pivotal rate-limiting enzyme in sorbitol synthesis. The origin and functional diversification of S6PDH in Rosaceae remain unclear, largely due to the complicated interplay of gene duplications. Here, we investigated the synteny relationships among all identified S6PDH genes in representative genomes within the Rosaceae family. By integrating phylogenetic analyses, we elucidated the lineage-specific expansion and syntenic conservation of S6PDH across diverse Rosaceae plant lineages. We found that S6PDH can be traced back to a pair of proximal duplicated genes of the common ancestor of the Rosaceae, and the further amplification of S6PDH in the Maleae primarily relies on WGD events in their lineages. In Rosaceae species, multiple copies of the S6PDH gene are preliminarily divided into two main clades (Clade 1 and Clade 2) based on sequence similarity. These clades have evolved to acquire different functional directions. In Clade 1, lineage-specific transposition events in the Amygdaloideae have led to changes in gene expression patterns and promoted lineage evolution. This is mainly characterized by a decrease in enzymatic activity and transcriptional expression in the leaves, but also includes specific functional diversification, such as sustained post-harvest fruit expression and enhanced expression under biotic stress in certain tissues. In contrast, S6PDH in the Rosoideae and Dryadoideae has not undergone additional duplications beyond early proximal duplication. The loss of exons and variations in exon length might the key factor leading to reduced enzymatic activity in the Clade 2 proximal gene pairs. Collectively, our findings illuminate the dynamic nature of S6PDH evolution and reveal the intricate interplay between duplication, transposition, and functional diversification. This work not only contributes valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying sorbitol metabolism but also establish a crucial foundation for future investigations aimed at comprehensively characterizing the variations of sorbitol metabolism across different subfamilies within the Rosaceae family.

Lambs Grazing With Adult Ewes Prefer Forbs With High-Nutrient Content in Native Grasslands Dominated by Leymus chinensis and Stipa grandis.

Grazing livestock in grasslands face the challenge of obtaining sufficient nutrition due to uneven distribution of plant species and fluctuating vegetation productivity and nutrient levels. In northern China, Leymus chinensis and Stipa grandis are the dominant perennial species in native grasslands, but they provide limited nutrition compared to forbs with higher crude protein (CP) content. While dietary ingredients can affect the nutritional intake of grazing livestock, the influence of different grazing strategies on dietary selection remains unclear. In this study, three sheep grazing strategies (lambs alone, mixed lambs and ewes, and ewes alone) were used to explore dietary selection. We investigated the influence of vegetation characteristic (above-ground biomass production, height, and species diversity) and foraging behavior (feed intake, organic matter digestibility, and daily grazing time) on the mechanisms of dietary selection (taxonomic family richness and composition). Forage consumption across the grazing strategies revealed that species from Poaceae, Rosaceae, and Cyperaceae families were frequently consumed. Both ewes and lambs in the mixed-grazing strategy preferentially consumed forbs with diverse species composition (Jacob's D > 0), which contained higher CP than those available in the overall vegetation (p < 0.05). In addition, dietary richness was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by vegetation species diversity except for animals in the lambs alone strategy. Compared to lambs in mixed-grazing, lambs alone had both greater daily grazing time and consumption of grass with lower digestibility (p < 0.05). Our study is the first to demonstrate that lambs can develop a similar dietary selection and behavioral pattern when grazing with adult ewes in temperate grasslands. Our study indicates that the conservation of species diversity in native grasslands is critically beneficial to livestock nutrition.

Agrimonolide Inhibits the Malignant Progression of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Induces Ferroptosis through the mTOR Signaling Pathway.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), a prevalent type of lung cancer, has a poor prognosis and contributes to a high mortality rate. Agrimonolide, which belongs to the Rosaceae family, possesses various biomedical activities. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and mechanism of agrimonolide in NSCLC. The viability, proliferation, and tumor-forming ability of A549 cells were detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay (CCK-8) assay, EdU staining, and colony formation assay. The cell cycle was detected using flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were detected using wound healing and transwell assays. Western blot was used to detect Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)-, ferroptosis-, and mechanistic targets of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway-related proteins. Lipid peroxidation was detected using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay kit, while lipid Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) was detected using a BODIPY 581/591 C11 kit. The level of Fe2+ was detected using corresponding assay kits. In this study, agrimonolide with varying concentrations (10, 20, and 40 μM] could inhibit the proliferation, induce cycle arrest, suppress metastasis, induce ferroptosis, and block the mTOR signaling pathway in NSCLC cells. To further reveal the mechanism of agrimonolide associated with the mTOR signaling pathway in NSCLC, mTOR agonist MHY1485 (10 μM) was used to pre-treat A549 cells, and functional experiments were conducted again. It was found that the protective effects of AM on NSCLC cells were all partially abolished by MHY1485 pre-treatment. Agrimonolide inhibited the malignant progression of NSCLC and induced ferroptosis by blocking the mTOR signaling pathway, thus indicating the potential of agrimonolide as a prospective candidate for treating NSCLC.

Effect of Edible Coatings on Morphological Characters of Strawberry Fruits

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) a member of rosaceae family, is a monoecious, short day, succulent, thalamus, perennial herb and quick growing fruit plant. Strawberries are processed into various value-added products such as canned strawberry, jam, jelly, ice cream, wine and other soft drinks. Strawberry is a delicious but delicate fruit with 2-4 days shelf life on ambient condition. Fruit of strawberry are very delicate and highly perishable in nature which resulted very short life span and considerable postharvest loss. The use of edible coating improved the shelf life of strawberry in general compared to untreated control. Significant difference was observed for effect of edible coating on strawberry for all the quality parameter during storage. The fruit weight, width and length decreased in all edible coating treatment. The minimum decrease in fruit weight, Width and length was recorded in treatment T7 (EC + Aloe vera gel 20%) while, the minimum decrease in volume and specific gravity of fruit in the same edible coating.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and the Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Aronia melanocarpa Supplementation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of apnea and hypopnea, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to numerous health complications, including cardiovascular diseases. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a standard for treating OSA and is effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Aronia melanocarpa (a black chokeberry), a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family and native to eastern North America that is rich in polyphenols, has garnered attention for its therapeutic potential due to its ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulate inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB. This review supports the hypothesis that combining CPAP with black chokeberry supplementation might provide a more comprehensive approach to treating OSA, reducing the risk of health complications by further reducing oxidative stress. In conclusion, Aronia melanocarpa has potential benefits as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of OSA, enhancing overall health and well-being. This review compiles the latest scientific findings on the benefits of black chokeberry supplementation, its application in OSA treatment, and its potential use in the treatment of other conditions linked to oxidative stress.

Genetic Variation, Polyploidy, Hybridization Influencing the Aroma Profiles of Rosaceae Family.

The fragrance and aroma of Rosaceae plants are complex traits influenced by a multitude of factors, with genetic variation standing out as a key determinant which is largely impacted by polyploidy. Polyploidy serves as a crucial evolutionary mechanism in plants, significantly boosting genetic diversity and fostering speciation. This review focuses on the Rosaceae family, emphasizing how polyploidy influences the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are essential for the aromatic characteristics of economically important fruits like strawberries, apples, and cherries. The review delves into the biochemical pathways responsible for VOC biosynthesis, particularly highlighting the roles of terpenoids, esters alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenolics, hydrocarbons, alongside the genetic mechanisms that regulate these pathways. Key enzymes, such as terpene synthases and alcohol acyltransferases, are central to this process. This review further explores how polyploidy and hybridization can lead to the development of novel metabolic pathways, contributing to greater phenotypic diversity and complexity in fruit aromas. It underscores the importance of gene dosage effects, isoenzyme diversity, and regulatory elements in determining VOC profiles. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding strategies aimed at improving fruit quality and aligning with consumer preferences. Present review not only elucidates the complex interplay between genomic evolution and fruit aroma but also offers a framework for future investigations in plant biology and agricultural innovation.

Advancements in Bacteriophages for the Fire Blight Pathogen Erwinia amylovora.

Erwinia amylovora, the causative agent of fire blight, causes significant economic losses for farmers worldwide by inflicting severe damage to the production and quality of plants in the Rosaceae family. Historically, fire blight control has primarily relied on the application of copper compounds and antibiotics, such as streptomycin. However, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains and growing environmental concerns have highlighted the need for alternative control methods. Recently, there has been a growing interest in adopting bacteriophages (phages) as a biological control strategy. Phages have demonstrated efficacy against the bacterial plant pathogen E. amylovora, including strains that have developed antibiotic resistance. The advantages of phage therapy includes its minimal impact on microbial community equilibrium, the lack of a detrimental impact on plants and beneficial microorganisms, and its capacity to eradicate drug-resistant bacteria. This review addresses recent advances in the isolation and characterization of E. amylovora phages, including their morphology, host range, lysis exertion, genomic characterization, and lysis mechanisms. Furthermore, this review evaluates the environmental tolerance of E. amylovora phages. Despite their potential, E. amylovora phages face certain challenges in practical applications, including stability issues and the risk of lysogenic conversion. This comprehensive review examines the latest developments in the application of phages for controlling fire blight and highlights the potential of E. amylovora phages in plant protection strategies.

Assessment of Plant Biodiversity and the Floristic Composition in the Black Irtysh River Valley (Kazakhstan)

The Black Irtysh River, a major tributary of the Ob River, traverses diverse ecological zones, influencing the distribution and composition of its floodplain vegetation. This study focused on the Black Irtysh River valley, a key segment of the Irtysh basin, to assess the current state of its plant communities. To compile expedition routes and a preliminary floristic list, a critical revision of more than 1000 herbarium sheets was carried out in the herbarium collections of Kazakhstan (Altai Botanical Garden and Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction). During the field season, a study of plant biodiversity was carried out along the entire coastline of the Black Irtysh. As a result, 217 species of higher vascular plants were identified (55% of those previously found in herbarium archives) from 139 genera and 43 families. The habitats of two Red Book species were discovered: Tulipa patens and Tulipa uniflora. It was found that the flora of the Black Irtysh is similar to the flora of the entire Zaisan depression, and families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Rosaceae, and Fabaceae are predominant. Geobotanical surveys revealed that the species composition of plant communities is poor and similar among survey points. Only the western part of the river delta is characterized by high rates of projective cover and reserves of forage plants. The main factors of anthropogenic influence are fires, livestock grazing, and deforestation.

Conserved Plastid Genomes of Pourthiaea Trees: Comparative Analyses and Phylogenetic Relationship

The genus Pourthiaea Decne., a deciduous woody group with high ornamental value, belongs to the family Rosaceae. Here, we reported newly sequenced plastid genome sequences of Pourthiaea beauverdiana (C. K. Schneid.) Hatus., Pourthiaea parvifolia E. Pritz., Pourthiaea villosa (Thunb.) Decne., and Photinia glomerata Rehder &amp; E. H. Wilson. The plastomes of these three Pourthiaea species shared the typical quadripartite structures, ranging in size from 159,903 bp (P. parvifolia) to 160,090 bp (P. beauverdiana). The three Pourthiaea plastomes contained a pair of inverted repeat regions (26,394–26,399 bp), separated by a small single-copy region (19,304–19,322 bp) and a large single-copy region (87,811–87,973 bp). A total of 113 unique genes were predicted for the three Pourthiaea plastomes, including four ribosomal RNA genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and 79 protein-coding genes. Analyses of inverted repeat/single-copy boundary, mVISTA, nucleotide diversity, and genetic distance showed that the plastomes of 13 Pourthiaea species (including 10 published plastomes) are highly conserved. The number of simple sequence repeats and long repeat sequences is similar among 13 Pourthiaea species. The three non-coding regions (trnT-GGU-psbD, trnR-UCU-atpA, and trnH-GUG-psbA) were the most divergent. Only one plastid protein-coding gene, rbcL, was under positive selection. Phylogenetic analyses based on 78 shared plastid protein-coding sequences and 29 nrDNA sequences strongly supported the monophyly of Pourthiaea. As for the relationship with other genera in our phylogenies, Pourthiaea was sister to Malus in plastome phylogenies, while it was sister to the remaining genera in nrDNA phylogenies. Furthermore, significant cytonuclear discordance likely stems from hybridization events within Pourthiaea, reflecting complex evolutionary dynamics within the genus. Our study provides valuable genetic insights for further phylogenetic, taxonomic, and species delimitation studies in Pourthiaea, as well as essential support for horticultural improvement and conservation of the germplasm resources.

Comparison of Some Parts of Cotoneaster coriaceus Franch. Plant in Terms of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacity

Cotoneaster spp. is a plant belonging to the Rosaceae family, which includes different genera and taxa. It is a woody plant that grows from shrubs to trees depending on its height (between 0.2-20 m) and grows in the temperate areas of Europe, North Africa and Asia. Many Cotoneaster species have become highly popular ornamental plants due to their striking leaves, dense flowers, and bright red-black fruits. These species have been used traditionally for the treatment of numerous diseases due to their rich bioactive components present in both their above-ground and below-ground parts. This study investigates the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the above-ground parts of Cotoneaster coriaceus Franch., including its fruits, stems, and leaves. For this purpose, total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity, organic acid and sugar profile, and mineral distributions were determined. According to the results, the highest amounts of macro-minerals identified were potassium (K) and calcium (Ca), while iron (Fe) and boron (B) were the predominant micro-minerals. The dominant organic acid in the fruit was malic acid, while succinic acid was prevalent in the stems and leaves. Sucrose and fructose, the sugars detected in the fruit, were found in equal levels in the stems and leaves. Fructose was identified as the dominant sugar in the leaves. It was determined that the fruit, stem, and leave parts of the Cotoneaster coriaceus Franch. plant species were rich in TPC, with the stems exhibiting higher antioxidant capacity.

Changes in the proteomics and metabolomics profiles of Cormus Domestica (L.) fruits during the ripening process

BackgroundCormus domestica (L.) is a monophyletic wild fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, with well-documented use in the Mediterranean region. Traditionally, these fruits are harvested and stored for at least 2 weeks before consumption. During this period, the fruit reaches its well-known and peculiar organoleptic and texture characteristics. However, the spread of more profitable fruit tree species, resulted in its progressive erosion. In this work we performed proteomic and metabolomic fruit analyses at three times after harvesting, to characterise postharvest physiological and molecular changes, it related to nutritional and organoleptic properties at consumption.ResultsProteomics and metabolomics analysis were performed on fruits harvested at different time points: freshly harvested fruit (T0), fruit two weeks after harvest (T1) and fruit four weeks after harvest (T2). Proteomic analysis (Shotgun Proteomic in LC-MS/MS) resulted in 643 proteins identified. Most of the differentially abundant proteins between the three phases observed were involved in the softening process, carbohydrate metabolism and stress responses. Enzymes, such as xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase, pectin acetylesterase, beta-galactosidase and pectinesterase, accumulated during fruit ripening and could explain the pulp breakdown observed in C. domestica. At the same time, enzymes abundant in the early stages (T0), such as sucrose synthase and malic enzyme, explain the accumulation of sugars and the lowering of acidity during the process. The metabolites extraction from C. domestica fruits enabled the identification of 606 statistically significant differentially abundant metabolites. Some compounds such as piptamine and resorcinol, well-known for their antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and several bioactive compounds such as endocannabinoids, usually described in the leaves, accumulate in C. domestica fruit during the post-harvest process.ConclusionsThe metabolomic and proteomic profiling of the C. domestica fruit during the postharvest process, evaluated in the study, provides a considerable contribution to filling the existing information gap, enabling the molecular and phytochemical characterisation of this erosion-endangered fruit. Data show biochemical changes that transform the harvested fruit into palatable consumable product.

Intraspecific diversity of Erwinia amylovora strains from northern Algeria

BackgroundFire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora, is the most destructive bacterial disease affecting plants in the Rosaceae family, leading to significant economic losses. In Algeria, this disease has been reported since 2010. This study aimed to investigate the origin of fire blight in Algeria, in order to increase knowledge of the epidemiology of this serious disease and contribute to its management. A comprehensive characterization of 18 E. amylovora isolates recovered from northern Algeria between 2016 and 2021 to evaluate their phenotypical and genotypical diversity was conducted.ResultsPhenotypic differences, particularly in growth kinetics, virulence, and fatty acid profiles, allowed differentiation of strains into five groups, possibly indicating distinct introduction events. Genetic characterization revealed that only one strain lacked the ubiquitous plasmid pEA29, which is correlated with reduced virulence, while none harbored the pEI70 plasmid. Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated sequences of the recA, groEL, rpoS, ams, and hrpN genes grouped Algerian strains with those from a broadly prevalent clade. CRISPR genotyping identified a novel CR1 pattern and three genotypes, two of them previously unreported.ConclusionsThis study represents the first phenotypic, genetic, and phylogenetic investigation of E. amylovora strains in the region, and provides valuable information on the possible pathways of the introduction of this fire blight pathogen in northern Africa. The findings suggest one or more introduction events from a common ancestor, likely originating in northern Italy, followed by dispersal in various regions of Algeria.

Investigation of the floristic biodiversity of a meadow of the Republic of Adygea

The relevance of the research: the research was carried out within the framework of a joint project of the Faculty of Agricultural Technologies and the Pharmaceutical Faculty “Physic Garden” for the implementation of the Development Program of Maikop State Technological University for 2023-2032. The goal of the research is to study the species composition of a meadow community, to identify medicinal plant species. The research objectives are to study the vegetation cover of meadows of the flat territory of the Republic of Adygea, collection, office processing, determination of meadow vegetation, analysis of flora - taxonomic, bioecological, biomorphological. The research methods: plant species were identified using the field atlas by A.S. Zernov and the guide by I.S. Kosenko [3, 6]. Life forms are presented using the system by K. Raunkier, taxonomic analysis using the work by A.P. Khokhryakova. The object of research is a phytocenosis of a continental dry meadow. The meadow phytocenosis is represented by herbaceous species adapted to growing together; the flora includes 44 species of higher plants from 16 families, 2 classes, and 1 division. The ratio of plants belonging to the dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous classes is approximately 3:1. The Asteraceae and Rosaceae families predominate in the studied flora from the Magnoliopsida class, and the Poaceae family from the Liliopsida class. In terms of the number of species, the basis of the meadow phytocenosis is made up of perennial grasses. The life form assessment according to Raunkiaer showed the prevalence of hemicryptophytes, according to the hydromorphological structure - the majority of mesophytes. The meadow is in a mature stage, since most of the plants are rhizome. The bulk of the vegetation is meadow, weed-meadow and weed. Such herbs as motherwort five-lobed and common yarrow, which are a source of medicinal plant materials included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the 15th edition grow in the meadow.